Dominik K
Member
Hi All
I've been growing my tank using DSM.
After 5 weeks of growth I decided to flood the tank. Most people recommend waiting 4-6 weeks so went middle of the road.
First ever tank, aqua scape and iwagumi (journal here)
So far I'm fairly happy with my progress. Having overcome some minor teething problems (not putting medium into the filter, and not straightening out the hoses before connecting) i now have my first tank flooded, filtering away.
The water is surprisingly clean. Was expecting a lot more clouding. So far so good. I'm a bit worried the plants might get a bit of a shock because our water is very hard and I've been using mainly rainwater for misting/watering.
Set up:
64 L tank
Tropica aquarium soil and Tropica powder substrate
Hard scape & Eleocharis Acicularis 'Mini' with Lilaeopsis brasiliensis for my plants.
Oase filtrosmart thermo 100 + Lily pipes filtration.
Ireenuo LED Aquarium Light Full spectrum 16W 20.5" LED light running on a 24hr cycle.
First of all - Anything that jumps out that screams wrong?
Couple things I would like advice on:
1. Planning for future livestock, I've discovered AQadvisor website - But what volume should I use to calculate?
The tank volume is 64L but I have a decent amount of substrate and rocks estimating about 25% space taken up by this. Do I enter the total volume of the tank or should I subtract the 25% which is taken up by stuff?
2. Should the lily pipe outflow be fully submerged?
3. My water is very hard - I'm waiting 48 before doing parameters test to find out the exact amounts but according to my supplier its 16.13 German (115.2 Ca mg/l)
Is there a way I can soften the water at water changes? I've mainly been using rain water to mist/water my plants I'm worried the very hard water might mess with them.
4. Is algea growth always a thing? I understand Co2 tends to prevent it.
But id like to avoid CO2 if possible. Currently I've opted for Co2 spray thing rather then an in tank diffuser. Anyone use these?
5. The tank is rimless and lidless. I'm aware fish like Bettas could jump out, and Snails could escape but apart from that is there anything I need to consider?
Is having a cover recommended?
6. Anyone have tips on how best to clean the glass at water level very hard water leaves marks..
7. Do shrimps go for plants/roots? Are any species less likely to go for plants than others? I read that Amanos are particularly voracious. A lot of my grass seems to have exposed roots. Wanted to get some shrimps but worried they will go to town on my carpet.
Here some pics for context.
Thanks in advance.
I've been growing my tank using DSM.
After 5 weeks of growth I decided to flood the tank. Most people recommend waiting 4-6 weeks so went middle of the road.
First ever tank, aqua scape and iwagumi (journal here)
So far I'm fairly happy with my progress. Having overcome some minor teething problems (not putting medium into the filter, and not straightening out the hoses before connecting) i now have my first tank flooded, filtering away.
The water is surprisingly clean. Was expecting a lot more clouding. So far so good. I'm a bit worried the plants might get a bit of a shock because our water is very hard and I've been using mainly rainwater for misting/watering.
Set up:
64 L tank
Tropica aquarium soil and Tropica powder substrate
Hard scape & Eleocharis Acicularis 'Mini' with Lilaeopsis brasiliensis for my plants.
Oase filtrosmart thermo 100 + Lily pipes filtration.
Ireenuo LED Aquarium Light Full spectrum 16W 20.5" LED light running on a 24hr cycle.
First of all - Anything that jumps out that screams wrong?
Couple things I would like advice on:
1. Planning for future livestock, I've discovered AQadvisor website - But what volume should I use to calculate?
The tank volume is 64L but I have a decent amount of substrate and rocks estimating about 25% space taken up by this. Do I enter the total volume of the tank or should I subtract the 25% which is taken up by stuff?
2. Should the lily pipe outflow be fully submerged?
3. My water is very hard - I'm waiting 48 before doing parameters test to find out the exact amounts but according to my supplier its 16.13 German (115.2 Ca mg/l)
Is there a way I can soften the water at water changes? I've mainly been using rain water to mist/water my plants I'm worried the very hard water might mess with them.
4. Is algea growth always a thing? I understand Co2 tends to prevent it.
But id like to avoid CO2 if possible. Currently I've opted for Co2 spray thing rather then an in tank diffuser. Anyone use these?
5. The tank is rimless and lidless. I'm aware fish like Bettas could jump out, and Snails could escape but apart from that is there anything I need to consider?
Is having a cover recommended?
6. Anyone have tips on how best to clean the glass at water level very hard water leaves marks..
7. Do shrimps go for plants/roots? Are any species less likely to go for plants than others? I read that Amanos are particularly voracious. A lot of my grass seems to have exposed roots. Wanted to get some shrimps but worried they will go to town on my carpet.
Here some pics for context.
Thanks in advance.